#epitoniidae

[herpsandbirds]

Precious Wentletrap aka Staircase Shell (Epitonium scalare), family Epitoniidae, Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia

Marine snail.

photo by Aqua Research & Monitoring Services

[snailspotter]

I am so SO delighted that you have wentletrap Wednesdays. They're my favourite snails!

Also may I be assigned a snail please and thank you snailspotter

I'm so glad you like them! That reminds me, I ought to queue them more often...

You get a:

Diagnosis: Cycloscala peseana Common name: N/A

[every-day-creechur]

Painted Wentletrap Epitonium tinctum

Found in the Eastern Pacific from southern Alaska to Mexico. At high tide (twice a day) it feeds on the tips of anemone tentacles; then at low tide burrows into the sand. Living wentletraps contain a purple, toxic dye. The dye appears to be an anesthetic and it is thought that the snail may use it to relax the anemone tissues before feeding.

image by Cricket Raspet

[morgansram]

Purple Sea Snail X

Photo: Jackie Sones

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Most animals don't have the firepower to tangle with the Portuguese Man'o'war, as their venomous sting can be extremely painful or even lethal. One predator, however, can't get enough of these floating siphonophores! The violet sea snail creates a raft out of mucus bubbles, and waits on the surface of the water waiting for jellyfish to float by for a tasty snack.

(Image: A violet sea snail (Janthina janthina) floating on its hand-made bubble raft by Denis Reik)

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a ko-fi!

[rattyexplores]

Caenogastropoda: Epitonium tenellum

Caenogastropoda: Bembicium auratum

Caenogastropoda: Conuber sp.

Shells collected off of a small beach.

09/09/23

QLD:BRB - Clairview, beach

[coqsenstock]

Sthenorytis pernobilis - 28 mm, Guadeloupe

[snailspotter]

Today's snail: Opalia funiculata | Scalloped Wentletrap

(source)